Before you go to Palestinian Territories: what to know
Must know
- Access to Gaza and the West Bank is restricted and can change abruptly; check area-specific official warnings.
- An Israeli ETA or visa does not by itself authorise entry to Gaza or every West Bank area.
- Payment access and water supplies differ sharply between the West Bank and Gaza.
Entry and visas
Entry routes to Palestine are controlled by Israeli authorities. British visa-exempt tourists entering via Israel need ETA-IL before arrival, normally for a visit of up to 90 days. Keep the Israeli entry slip with your passport. Separate West Bank procedures and Gaza permissions may apply; ETA approval does not guarantee admission or access to either territory. Check the rules for your nationality and route.
Online arrival forms and permits
- ETA-IL for entry via Israel ↗ required
Before arrival via Israel; separate territorial permissions may also be needed · Fee: ILS 25 · Visa-exempt visitors entering via Israel; not a Gaza or West Bank access permit
Passport validity: FCDO: at least 90 days after arrival for the standard British tourist route.
At the border you may be asked for
- Retain your passport and Israeli entry slip for checkpoints.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗
Money
Cash and cards are both common. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.
Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data
Where to exchange money
- Licensed and government-regulated currency exchanges where operating.
- ILS denotes a commonly used currency, not a Palestinian national currency; JOD and USD are also used.
- Official tourism guidance describes card acceptance in many shops; do not assume this applies to current conditions in Gaza.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travelpalestine.ps ↗
Rules and bans
Prohibited
- Illegal drugs.
- Photography of military or police officers and installations.
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- Carry identification.
- Rules differ between territories: same-sex sexual activity is legal in the West Bank but illegal in Gaza, according to FCDO.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: Religious customs and sensitivities vary among Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities and sites.
Clothing: Cover shoulders, upper arms and legs above the knee; more conservative communities may expect fuller coverage.
Etiquette
- Ask before photographing people.
- Respect Ramadan observance and religious-site restrictions.
Climate
Mediterranean pattern: hot, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters. Inland and highland conditions differ from the coast; the Jordan Valley is particularly hot. Seasonal labels are not forecasts.
Month by month
- January: Jan: Cool, wet winter
- February: Feb: Cool, wet winter
- March: Mar: Spring transition; rain possible
- April: Apr: Spring; regional conditions vary
- May: May: Warming towards summer
- June: Jun: Hot, dry summer
- July: Jul: Hot, dry summer
- August: Aug: Hot, dry summer
- September: Sep: Late summer; heat persists
- October: Oct: Autumn transition
- November: Nov: Cooler; winter rains develop
- December: Dec: Cool, wet winter
Best season: Climate does not override access restrictions and current security warnings; assess the exact route.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travelpalestine.ps ↗
What to pack
- Passport and entry-permission copies
- Modest clothing
- Sun protection
- Water contingency supplies
Do not bring / prohibited to import
- Unnecessary photography equipment near security sites
Practical
Plugs: 220V system; confirm socket type and your device compatibility.
Water: Use sealed bottled or properly treated water. Gaza's water systems are badly damaged and tap water is unsafe.
Traffic: drives on the right
Health: Water access and medical provision depend strongly on location and current conflict conditions.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travelpalestine.ps ↗, mjr.ogb.gov.ps ↗, travel.state.gov ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.